Question: How does Conrad treat the theme of imperialism in Heart of Darkness?
Ans. The theme of the evil of imperialism lies at the centre of the novel Heart of Darkness. Perhaps Joseph Conrad’s main objective in this novel is to expose the imperialist exploitation of a backward country by a so-called civilized nation. Conrad’s treatment of this theme is inspired mainly by his own visit to the Congo and his exploration of that dark country.
The keynote of the theme of imperialism can be traced from the very beginning of Marlow’s narration. The conquest of another country, says Marlow, mostly means the taking away of all things from those who have a different complexion. Marlow’s (and Conrad’s) experiences in the Congo clearly show that the white men there failed to perform their civilizing duties. Instead of civilizing the savage natives, the white men themselves turned into exploiters.
At that time, the Congo was being governed by the Belgian king Leopold II, and the Belgian Trading Company was sending its agents into the Congo for commercial purposes. Ivory was the chief commodity they sought. Later, we see that ivory not only dominates the thoughts of Mr. Kurtz, an agent of the Belgian Trading Company, but also becomes an obsession for him. Ivory symbolizes the white men’s greed and commercial mentality. Their chief concern in the Congo is to collect ivory, although they profess that they have come to civilize the natives. Nowhere in the novel do we find any mention of any real service being rendered by these white men to the natives of the Congo.
A glaring example of evil and selfishness is found in the character of Mr. Kurtz. He has begun to identify himself with the savages. Instead of improving their way of life, he himself becomes a savage in their company. In fact, Heart of Darkness portrays in a nutshell the deceit, robbery, murder, slave trading, and general policy of cruelty under Belgian rule in the Congo. Through this novel, Conrad not only exposes the hollowness and weakness of Belgian imperialist rule but also indirectly reminds us of British imperialism in various parts of the world during his time.
To sum up, the Belgian Trading Company went to the then Dark Continent, the Congo, claiming to civilize the natives. Ironically, however, they themselves became uncivilized and brutish in their pursuit of material gain. They turned into seasoned schemers and plotters. Joseph Conrad conveys his strong disapproval of these white men most effectively, and his purpose is to arouse in us the deepest possible contempt for imperialist exploitation.
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